How to Choose the Best Mattress For Your Health in the Long Run

Finding a comfy mattress that doesn’t break the bank can be tough. Just spending a few minutes trying out mattresses in a busy store isn’t enough to really know which brands and models are actually comfy and durable.

We can help you figure out the best type and size of mattress for what you need for your new designing and theming room, plus show you how to save 50% or even more on your next buy.

1. Identify Your Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position plays a crucial role in determining the right mattress type for you, as it directly impacts your comfort and overall sleep quality. Here’s a more detailed look at the best mattress options based on different sleeping positions: –

Back Sleepers: If you tend to sleep on your back, it’s important to choose a medium-firm to firm mattress. This type of mattress helps to provide the support necessary for maintaining proper spinal alignment throughout the night, ensuring that your back and neck remain in a neutral position. This can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of waking up with aches and pains.

Side Sleepers: For those who prefer to sleep on their sides, a softer mattress is usually the best choice. Softer mattresses provide the cushioning needed to relieve pressure points around the shoulders and hips. This extra softness helps to contour to your body’s shape, allowing for comfortable alignment and reducing the likelihood of stiffness or discomfort upon waking.

Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinkage, which can lead to misalignment of the spine. A firmer mattress offers the necessary support to keep the torso elevated and aligned with the legs, helping to maintain a neutral spine position and minimizing the risk of back pain over time.

Combination Sleepers: If you find yourself changing positions throughout the night, a medium-firm mattress with good responsiveness will likely serve you best. This type of mattress provides a balance of comfort and support, adapting well to various positions while allowing for easy movement.

A responsive mattress helps accommodate your shifting needs, ensuring you remain comfortable no matter how you sleep.

2. Consider Mattress Types

There are several types of mattresses, each offering different levels of support and comfort:

Memory Foam

• Pros: Excellent contouring, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
• Cons: Can trap heat and may have an initial chemical odour.
• Best for: Side sleepers and those who need extra pressure relief.

Innerspring

• Pros: Strong support, good breathability, and durability.
• Cons: Less contouring and can be noisy.
• Best for: Back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.

Hybrid

• Pros: Combines foam and coils for balanced support and comfort.
• Cons: Can be expensive and heavier than other types.
• Best for: Those who want both contouring and strong support.

Latex

• Pros: Durable, naturally breathable, and eco-friendly.
• Cons: Higher price and firmer feel.
• Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers and those who want a responsive mattress.

Adjustable Air Mattress

• Pros: Adjustable firmness, good for couples with different preferences.
• Cons: Expensive and requires regular maintenance.
• Best for: People who need customizable support.

3. Determine Firmness Level

Mattress firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10:

• Soft (1-3): Best for side sleepers and those who prefer a plush feel.
• Medium (4-6): Ideal for combination sleepers, offering a balance of softness and support.
• Firm (7-10): Suitable for back and stomach sleepers who need extra support.

4. Assess Motion Isolation and Edge Support

If you share your bed, motion isolation is crucial to prevent disturbances from your partner’s movements. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to perform well in this aspect. Edge support is also important, especially for those who sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses generally provide better edge support.

5. Evaluate Cooling Features

If you tend to sleep hot, look for mattresses with cooling technology, such as:

• Gel-infused memory foam
• Breathable latex
• Hybrid mattresses with airflow-enhancing coil systems
• Cooling covers made from phase-change materials

6. Check for Allergies and Sensitivities

If you have allergies, opt for hypoallergenic mattresses like latex or memory foam, which resist dust mites and mould better than traditional innerspring mattresses.

7. Factor in Durability and Longevity

A high-quality mattress is an important investment for your sleep and overall well-being, and it should last between 7 to 10 years with proper care. Among the various types of mattresses, latex and hybrid models are generally recognized for their durability and long lifespan. They offer excellent support and comfort, making them a popular choice for many sleepers.

On the other hand, lower-quality foam and innerspring mattresses may wear out more quickly, leading to sagging or a loss of support over time. Therefore, when selecting a mattress, it’s crucial to consider both its construction and material quality to ensure you make a wise choice that will benefit your sleep for years to come.

8. Set a Budget

Mattress prices can vary significantly based on the type and quality of materials used. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in different price ranges:

• Budget ($200-$700): In this range, you’ll find basic foam or innerspring mattresses. These models are suitable for those who need a functional mattress without extra features. They are generally more affordable and can serve well for occasional use or as a temporary solution.
• Mid-range ($700-$1,500): This category includes hybrid mattresses, which combine different materials for improved comfort and support, as well as high-quality memory foam models. These mattresses often provide better durability and may include additional features like better cooling technology or enhanced pressure relief, making them ideal for those looking for a comfortable and longer-lasting option.
• Luxury ($1,500 and above): High-end latex, premium hybrids, and speciality mattresses fall into this category. These mattresses often incorporate advanced technologies and materials designed for maximum comfort, support, and durability. Investing in a luxury mattress can significantly enhance your sleep experience, offering benefits like better spinal alignment and reduced motion transfer.

Overall, investing in a high-quality mattress is a wise decision, as it can greatly improve sleep quality and reduce the need for frequent replacements. A good mattress not only enhances your comfort level but can also contribute to better overall health and well-being.

9. Read Reviews and Compare Brands

Customer reviews can provide valuable insight into real-life comfort, durability, and performance. Additionally, compare well-known brands such as:

• Tempur-Pedic (memory foam and hybrid options)
• Saatva (luxury innerspring and hybrid options)
• Purple (unique grid technology for pressure relief)
• Sealy (affordable innerspring and hybrid options)
• Avocado (eco-friendly latex options)

10. Consider Trial Periods and Warranties

Many mattress companies offer trial periods, typically ranging from 90 to 365 nights. This allows you to test the mattress at home and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Additionally, check the warranty, which usually ranges from 5 to 25 years, covering defects in materials and workmanship.

11. Decide on In-Store vs. Online Shopping

• In-Store: Allows you to physically test different mattresses before purchasing.
• Online: Offers convenience, competitive pricing, and extended trial periods.

Online brands often provide free shipping and easy returns, making them a popular choice.

What size mattress do you need?

Retailers and manufacturers recommend buying the largest bed your room can accommodate, and the length of the mattress should be at least 10–15cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.

Final Thought

Comfort is subjective, but understanding mattress firmness and different mattress types will help you narrow the field when it comes to testing a mattress in-store.

How firm should a mattress be? It all comes down to your preferred sleeping position.

If you sleep on your stomach… a firm mattress will keep your spine aligned.

If you sleep on your back… a medium mattress will provide support for your spine, back and neck while keeping you comfortable.

If you sleep on your side… a soft mattress will support and contour your body’s curves.